U.S. Representative supports expediting approval process for Genetically Modified (GM) crops

According to The Commercial Appeal, Rep. Stephen Fincher from Tennessee has introduced a bill to streamline the approval process for GM crops, which he says are necessary to help feed a rapidly growing population.

The Expediting Agriculture Through Science (EATS) Act would require regulators to speed up the approval process for these advanced crops. “We need to streamline, make sure it’s a more thorough process, one that’s responsible, transparent and accountable,” Rep. Fincher said. Read more.

Gates Foundation funds GM rice to improve yields of African small farmers

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is funding the creation of GM rice to help Africa’s small farmers increase yields and withstand higher temperatures, BBC reports.

“Unfortunately these poor farmers are going to be facing warmer climates because of global warming so I think it is appropriate to employ whatever tools we can use that are safe and affordable for them,” Mr. Gates said.  “I absolutely think that, in some of those cases, genetic modification is how we will get them the new seeds.” Read more.